During the nine long months of pregnancy, a woman’s body and mind go through a tremendous series of changes and endure a lot of discomfort. Morning sickness, cravings, aches and pains, an amazing reduction in bladder capacity, mood swings, etc., etc…Since you have to live with her and because she is, in fact, carrying your child, it’s in your best interests to learn more about pregnancy. Besides the usual issues, you should keep an eye out for certain things that could be indicative of problems. Here are three things to watch out for during your wife’s pregnancy.

Bleeding/Spotting

Although a little spotting isn’t unusual in a healthy pregnancy, your wife should still always get it checked out, just in case. Anything more than spotting, especially in the second and third trimesters, could be indicative of problems, such as a placental abruption or miscarriage. Don’t be embarrassed to ask about it or express concern—it could be the life of your wife and child at stake.

Early contractions

If you’re a good hubby and do a bit of reading up on the subject, you will know that pregnant women experience contractions before birth, and that there are two kinds of contractions: normal labor contractions and Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although doctors don’t know precisely what function the latter type serve, they theorize that Braxton-Hicks contractions are practice runs for your wife’s body before childbirth. However, if they become painful, increasingly close together, or are accompanied by bleeding, dizziness, or nausea, check with the doctor immediately,as these could be signs of pre-term labour. Make sure your wife gets plenty of bed rest with her feet up, lots of fluids, and regular blood pressure checks.

Infrequent baby activity

Once you have felt the baby move inside your wife’s belly, the pregnancy, and impending fatherhood, will start feeling truly real. Toward the end of the pregnancy, the baby will likely be keeping your wife awake and often breathless with his or her gymnastics, which is to be expected. However, if the baby begins to move less or stops moving altogether, this could be a sign of problems. Before running to the clinic, try having her lie down, drink a sugary drink, and wait to see if the baby moves. If not, notify your birth care professional to have an ultrasound and physical exam.

A big part of your role as father and husband is making sure mom and baby are well and healthy. Be proactive and involved, and watch for these three danger signs during pregnancy.